Baton Rouge - With the future apparently front and center for the LSU linebacker corps, it seems likely that a handful of talented freshmen in that group will get on the field with a chance to make an immediate impact in 2012.

As far as one of the grizzled members of the returning group is concerned, though, the future can wait just a bit longer.

Tigers junior Lamin Barrow has bided his time the last two seasons as a backup outside backer, getting one start in each of his first two seasons while recording 35 tackles.

Now with both outside starting jobs up for grabs, Barrow is poised to get a longer-term look at the weakside spot. Fellow junior Tahj Jones is working as the starter at the strongside linebacker spot.

Another member of a junior class of linebackers that came in together in 2010 - Luke Muncie - is operating as a primary backup. But an up-and-coming wave of freshmen is also making a strong push for playing time: Lamar Louis, Ronnie Feist, Kwon Alexander and Deion Jones.

That quartet is part of a six-man recruiting haul at linebacker that served as the foundation of LSU's 2012 class. The key to their arrival is that the LSU linebackers struggled to make a big impact last season for a defense as good as any in the country on the defensive line and in the secondary.

With those two units entering the new season with major holes to fill, especially in the defensive backfield, the linebackers are poised to take a step forward and the outside spots are particularly important because of coordinator John Chavis' affinity for operating a 4-2-5 scheme.

That all adds up to high expectations for players like Barrow and Jones and neither one seems daunted by that notion.

"Since I've been here we've had some great linebackers, but this group is probably the fastest I've been around and also the most humble," said Barrow, who starred at John Ehret before arriving at LSU. "We're all eager to play. We want to be the best group on our defense, and that's a big challenge because we're great up front and may have the best DBs in the country."

For the linebackers to shoulder the burden of greatness will require big things from the freshman crew. That's what Barrow is counting on, and he looks at the young players nipping at his heels are a positive and not a reason for hard feelings.

To stay on the field and keep the young pups in reserve roles, Barrow knows the equation is pretty simple.

"It's my spot to lose," Barrow said. "If I get the chance to start, I have to go out there and fill my role and make plays. If I don't, there are a lot of guys ready to come in and get their chance.

"Those young guys are pushing all of us really hard. The competition is really hot, and having the young guys around, that helps a lot. Seeing Deion Jones and Lamar Louis and Ronnie Feist, their first steps are so fast. I pride myself on my speed, but those guys are unreal. To see the young linebackers coming in gives me that extra push to push myself."

One place where Barrow, Jones and Muncie have a decided edge is experience.

Two years of apprenticeship under Chavis - also the linebackers coach - has provided a nice baseline for this season when they step into the spots vacated by Ryan Baker, Karnell Hatcher and Stefoin Francois.

That puts the older players in the unique position of revving up their careers as full-time starters while also serving as mentors to their up-and-coming protégés.

"With this defense, you've got to know what you're doing because of the different offenses we're facing," Barrow said. "The last two years (the juniors) have worked on improving our knowledge of the game because (Chavis) wants you to know what you're doing. Now we talk about formations and different plays with the young guys to make sure they're getting better."

Jones is proof of how an untested player can make progress.

The Sulphur native has gotten into every game the last two seasons, mostly on special teams. But he caught Chavis' attention enough to play a more prominent role the second half of 2011.

The one concern with Jones is his size: A 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame seems more suited to safety than linebacker.

But Jones is also the fastest member of the linebacker corps and plays with an energy level that helps make up for his lack of bulk.

"He compensates for that with his motor," Minter said. "He may seem small, but he really packs a punch. He comes at those tight ends and offensive linemen like he's about 240."

That surprising power, blended with the speed, may give Jones a chance to stay on the field more in obvious passing situations.

Associated PressAlthough small for a linebacker at 205 pounds, LSU junior Tahj Jones makes up for his size with speed and high energy.

With the loss of Tyrann Mathieu, Chavis will have to find a combination of players willing and able to be versatile enough to both defend the run effectively and check receivers on pass plays.

Jones fits that description as long as he can show that he's sturdy enough to defend tight ends and backs coming out on pass routes.

"I can do it if they ask me to stay out there in nickel," he said. "If they line me up with a running back, I'll cover him the best I can and make whatever plays I can."